Rocky Raccoon 100 Race Guide
Rocky Raccoon 100 is officially titled the USWE Endurance Trail Run and is commonly referred to simply as Rocky Raccoon 100. This event is organized by Tejas Trails and draws runners from across the country to compete in a challenging hundred‐mile distance. The race’s identity has grown over the years into one of the premier winter ultras in the United States. It offers a coveted buckle and is known for a friendly atmosphere that welcomes both seasoned hundred‐milers and first‐time ultras.
When it is run
Rocky Raccoon 100 takes place each year on the first Saturday of February, which in 2026 falls on February 7. The race starts at 6:00 a.m., just as dawn is breaking over Huntsville State Park in East Texas. Early February in that region can bring anything from warm, humid afternoons to near‐freezing nights, so runners must be ready for a wide temperature swing. The race weekend typically begins with early packet pickup on Friday afternoon and ends with a post‐race awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon.
How to qualify or register
Entry into Rocky Raccoon 100 requires completing an online registration through the RunSignup platform. No previous race results or qualifying times are necessary; registration operates strictly on a first‐come, first‐served basis until the event reaches its participant cap, which is often met within days of opening. Once the cap is hit, additional runners are placed on a waitlist in case of drop-outs. During registration, entrants pay both the race fee and optional park entrance fees for crews and pacers, ensuring all support personnel have legal access to Huntsville State Park.
Particular challenges
Navigating the pine‐needle‐covered single track demands constant attention, as hidden roots and occasional wet patches can easily lead to ankle rolls or slips. The gently rolling hills may not seem daunting individually, but their cumulative effect over one hundred miles places a steady strain on quads and calves. Night running under headlamps tests mental toughness, since limited visibility makes footing even trickier and can amplify feelings of isolation. Weather swings between daytime warmth and nighttime chill require versatile clothing strategies, and rain can transform the softer trail surfaces into slippery mud pits.
Course format
The Rocky Raccoon 100 course consists of five identical loops of roughly twenty miles each, forming a classic looped format. Each loop begins and ends at the main aid station located at the Huntsville State Park Nature Center, giving runners frequent access to crew support, pacers, and rest opportunities. The clockwise loops weave through pine forests, over wooden boardwalks spanning bayous, and along scenic lakeshores. This design allows volunteers to concentrate resources at one central hub and enables spectators to see runners pass multiple times.
Elevation profile
Although Rocky Raccoon markets itself as a “flat” hundred‐miler, the cumulative elevation gain and loss total around 5,200 feet. Runners climb from a low of about 200 feet above sea level to a high point near 400 feet on each loop, summiting short rollers that range from 50 to 100 feet in elevation gain. No individual climb exceeds half a mile, but the constant gentle rises and falls will feel unrelenting over twenty‐mile stretches. Proper pacing on these small but frequent hills is essential to avoid burning out early in the race.
Terrain breakdown
Soft trail surfaces blanketed with pine needles make up approximately sixty‐five percent of the course, providing cushioning but hiding roots and rocks. Single‐track sections account for about fifty percent of the mileage and require narrow, careful foot placements. Wide fire roads and park roads constitute roughly thirty percent, offering firmer footing and opportunities to lengthen the stride. The remaining five percent consists of wooden footbridges and short grass‐lined connectors, which can become slick when wet and demand extra caution.
Time limit & cutoffs
Runners must complete the full one hundred miles within thirty‐two hours of the 6:00 a.m. start, setting the final cutoff at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. An intermediate cutoff occurs at the 80‐mile mark, where participants must pass the aid station within twenty‐four hours of the start to continue. Pacers are permitted after the 49‐mile checkpoint, which falls near the end of loop two, providing companionship and support for the final loops. Those aiming for a sub‐24‐hour finish must clear the 80‐mile station by 6:00 a.m. Sunday to remain on pace for the coveted belt buckle time.
Aid stations
Rocky Raccoon 100 features twenty aid stations spaced roughly every four to six miles around the five‐loop course. Runners leave the start area and encounter the first station at 2.2 miles, then pass through stations at approximately 6.4, 11.4, 16.4, 20.6, 25.1, and so on until finishing the final station at mile 100. Crew members have access at every station, though parking is limited at Gate, Nature Center, Dam Nation, and Far Side, so walking or biking between nearby spots is often fastest. Drop bags may be delivered by race staff to the Gate and Dam Nation stations if they are checked in at Raven Lodge on Friday; Nature Center drop bags must be self‐served by crews. Each station offers full hot and cold options to support runners throughout the day and night.
Mandatory gear
The race does not require an extensive mandatory gear list, but runners must carry essential items to ensure safety and self‐sufficiency. A headlamp with spare batteries is compulsory for nighttime loops, and a backup light source is strongly recommended. Competitors must carry at least 1.5 liters of water capacity and a collapsible cup for hydration, since the event is cupless for cold drinks. A waterproof jacket with taped seams or impermeable material must be packed to guard against Texas winter rain and wind, and runners should carry an emergency blanket or survival bivy for unexpected stops. Each athlete must also have a fully charged mobile phone and a whistle to signal for help if lost on the course.
Crew & pacing
Support crews can meet runners at any aid station but should note that Gate, Nature Center, Dam Nation, and Far Side have limited parking, so planning drop‐off points is essential. Pacers are permitted after completing the first 49 miles, entering at the Nature Center aid station to accompany runners through the final loops. Only one pacer per runner is allowed at a time, and pacers must carry the same mandatory gear as athletes while on course. Vehicles are restricted to designated parking areas; crews must adhere to park rules and pay any required entrance fees for support personnel during packet pickup or on race day.
Navigation
The course uses orange caution tape, yellow arrows on stakes and trees, and reflective confidence markers for night visibility, ensuring runners never need to rely on a map. At junctions where shorter and longer distances diverge, signs display specific distance labels; missing your distance sign indicates a wrong turn. No GPS is required, though many runners choose to load the GPX file for personal assurance. The organizers emphasize over‐marking, so even in darkness, following the reflective markers and caution tape reliably guides participants through each loop.
Finish rates
Historically, Rocky Raccoon 100 maintains a finish rate between 70% and 80%, reflecting its approachable terrain and generous cutoffs. Runners often credit the supportive aid stations and robust marking for high completion numbers, even when winter weather turns challenging. Data from recent years shows that out of a field of 400 starters, around 300 typically cross the finish line within the 32‐hour limit. Those pacing for sub‐24 finishes enjoy success rates near 50%, illustrating that disciplined pacing and crew support substantially boost odds of a belt‐buckle performance.
Special features
Rocky Raccoon is renowned for its cupless cold beverages served in reusable containers, cutting down on waste and encouraging runners to carry a personal cup. The five‐loop format offers frequent crew reunions, creating a communal atmosphere where spectators and crew can cheer runners multiple times. Finishers earn a distinctive buckle, with an extra recognition for sub‐24‐hour completions, and the race awards humorous “Lemming Awards” to anyone caught following another runner off course. Tejas Trails’ signature hospitality means hot soups and caffeinated drinks appear on aid station tables after dark to revive tired athletes.
Previous winners
The men’s division in recent years has been dominated by top American ultrarunners, with the 2025 title won by Rob Krar in 15 hours and 12 minutes, while the women’s crown went to Clare Gallagher in 17 hours and 45 minutes. Past champions include Jeff Browning and Camille Herron, who set course records in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The course record of 13 hours and 36 minutes stands as a benchmark for elite competitors aiming to test their speed on a technically simple but fast loop.
Official contact info
For the most up‐to‐date details and questions, visit the Tejas Trails website or email the race director at info@tejastrails.com. Race updates and logistical notices are also posted on the RunSignUp.com event page under “Rocky Raccoon Endurance Trail Run.” Direct inquiries about registration, crew fees, and volunteer opportunities are promptly addressed by the Tejas Trails support team.